Acne Scar Treatment

When Acne Clears But the Marks Stay Behind

You finally got your breakouts under control, but the mirror still tells a different story. Textured skin, dark spots, or shallow pits along the cheeks and jawline can linger long after active acne resolves, and many patients tell us it affects their confidence just as much as the breakouts once did.

Idaho's dry climate and high-altitude sun exposure can make scarring more noticeable, since UV exposure often darkens post-acne marks and slows the skin's natural recovery. You do not have to just live with it, and you do not need to guess your way through drugstore products that were never designed for scar tissue.

At Treasure Valley Dermatology, our providers take the time to evaluate your specific scar type before recommending a plan, so you are treating what is actually there instead of hoping something works.

What Acne Scar Treatment Actually Involves

Acne scarring is not one single condition, it is a group of different skin changes that each respond to different approaches. Getting the diagnosis right is the first step toward a plan that makes sense for your skin.

• Atrophic (indented) scars — includes icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars from collagen loss
• Hypertrophic or keloid scars — raised, thickened tissue from an overactive healing response
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — flat, discolored marks left behind after a breakout heals
• Treatment options may include SkinPen microneedling, chemical peels, topical therapies, and in some cases filler like Radiesse to soften depressed scars
• Combination approaches are common, since many patients have more than one scar type present at once

What to Expect During Your Care Plan

• Consultation first — cosmetic consultations are led by Morgan Hollowell, our master aesthetician, who examines your skin in person to identify scar type and severity before recommending treatment
• Session length — most in-office procedures like microneedling take 30 to 60 minutes
• Comfort — topical numbing is used for microneedling and most procedures are well-tolerated with minimal discomfort
• Downtime — redness and mild swelling for 1 to 3 days is common after microneedling, similar to a mild sunburn
• Laser downtime — expect several days of redness, swelling, and peeling after a laser session, with most patients returning to normal activities within about a week
• Series of treatments — many patients benefit from multiple sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for collagen remodeling to occur
• Laser treatment spacing — when laser resurfacing is part of the plan, sessions are typically spaced about six weeks apart to allow full healing between treatments
• Sun protection guidance — given Idaho's UV intensity, your provider will go over how to protect healing skin between sessions

Microneedling for acne scars is performed by our master aesthetician, with your care plan reviewed by our board-certified dermatology team.

What Results May Look Like

Improvement in acne scarring tends to be gradual, since it relies on your skin's own collagen production over time. Many patients find their skin texture and tone show noticeable improvement over a course of several months rather than overnight.

• Initial changes in skin texture may be visible within a few weeks of the first session
• Continued improvement is often reported over 3 to 6 months as collagen rebuilds
• Results vary based on scar depth, skin type, and consistency with the recommended care plan
• Maintenance sessions may be suggested to support long-term texture and tone

Who Acne Scar Treatment Is For

• Teens and adults who have completed active acne treatment and are left with residual marks or texture
• Patients frustrated after trying over-the-counter products with no meaningful change
• Anyone with indented, raised, or discolored scarring who wants a professional opinion before proceeding
• Patients preparing for a special event who want a longer-term care plan started well in advance
• Adults of nearly any age, since scar treatment is not limited to a specific age range
• Those who want to understand their options without pressure toward a single product or procedure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for acne scars?

There is no single best treatment, since it depends on your specific scar type. Icepick and boxcar scars often respond differently than rolling scars or hyperpigmentation, which is why an in-person evaluation with a member of our aesthetic team is the right starting point.

Does microneedling really help with acne scars?

SkinPen microneedling is one of the most well-studied options for atrophic acne scarring, as it works by stimulating the skin's own collagen production in a controlled way. Many patients find their skin's texture shows noticeable improvement over a series of sessions.

How many sessions will I need?

Most care plans involve multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart, since collagen remodeling takes time. Your provider will give you a more specific estimate after evaluating your scarring in person.

Can filler like Radiesse treat acne scars?

Yes, for certain depressed or rolling scars, filler can help lift and soften the appearance of the indentation. This is typically discussed as part of a broader care plan rather than a standalone fix.

Will my acne scars come back after treatment?

Treated scar tissue does not return once it has responded to treatment, though new scarring can form if active acne breakouts continue. Managing any ongoing acne alongside scar treatment is often part of the overall plan your provider recommends.

Why Treasure Valley Dermatology

Dr. Dustin Portela, Dr. Kelsey Ferrell, and Dr. Ben Buttars bring board-certified dermatology expertise and a genuine commitment to identifying the underlying causes of each patient's skin concerns, not just treating the surface. All three are board-certified dermatologists and experts in skin cancer surgery, which reflects the surgical precision and attention to detail they bring to every service, including cosmetic and scar treatment.

• Two convenient locations serving Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Star, and Kuna
• 700+ five-star reviews from patients who describe the team as "a breath of fresh air"
• Full-family dermatology care, from teenage acne scarring to adult cosmetic concerns
• On-site access to SkinPen microneedling, Radiesse filler, and other cosmetic options under one roof
• Access to clinical trials for patients who may benefit from emerging treatment options
• A patient experience many describe as feeling like "their only patient," even in a busy practice

Ready to Talk About Your Skin?

You do not need to keep covering up marks that a proper care plan could improve. Schedule a consultation at our Boise or Meridian location and let's figure out what will actually work for your skin.

Book online anytime at dermatologyboise.com/schedule-an-appointment or call our office to find the next available appointment near you.